Fraudulent Advertising: The Right of a Public Attorney to Seek Restitution for Consumers

The power of a public attorney to seek relief for consumers has expanded rapidly in recent years. This comment examines the standing of a public attorney to seek restitution for defrauded private parties in conjunction with an action to enjoin fraudulent advertising. The standing issue is first analyzed in a discussion of recent judicial decisions. The author then examines the legislative intent behind A.B. 1763, a 1972 amendment to the California Business and Professions Code, which, the author concludes, gives the public attorney standing to seek restitution for victims of fraudulent advertising